IFN643 is the name of a newly-found ransomware virus. This virus encrypts your files by placing the .ifn643 extension to them. After the encryption process is finished, it will put a file named “IFN643_Malware_Readme”. That file contains the ransom demand, which is for 1000 US dollars to be sent to a Bitcoin address. To see how to remove this ransomware and how you can try to restore your data, read the whole article.
Threat Summary
| Name | IFN643 Virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts your data and then shows a ransom message with instructions. |
| Symptoms | Your files become inaccessible. The .ifn643 extension will be appended to them after encryption. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executables |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss IFN643 Virus. |
| Data Recovery Tool | Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive. |
IFN643 Ransomware – Spread
The IFN643 ransomware could spread and reach your computer machine by using a few different methods. Spam email campaigns are likely among the top distributors of its payload file. E-mails which are set as spam are designed to make you think that the message you have received with the letter is of great importance and the file attached to it will bring you to some conclusion. Upon opening the attached file, your computer will become infected with the malicious code contained inside. The payload could be executed from an executable file, much like the example given below in the VirusTotal website. One such file is named spoolpdf.exe
Various ways for the spread of the infection of the IFN643 virus exist as well. For instance, the makers of the ransomware might be delivering the payload file through file-share and social media networks. That payload might be hidden as a useful program or file around such platforms for the purpose of infecting more users. You should not open files, if they originate from suspicious places, such as unknown emails and links. Before opening, you should always scan them first with security software and check their size and signatures. You should give the tips for preventing ransomware thread on our forum a read.
IFN643 Ransomware – Description
A new ransomware cryptovirus has been found recently, and it goes by the name of IFN643. The malware researcher from G-data, Karsten Hahn has discovered a malware sample in the wild. The ransomware can launch from from a .pdb file. It encrypts your files and puts an extension of the same name to them. A ransom note appears as a lock screen.
After the IFN643 ransomware executes its payload, it could make entries in the Windows Registry for being more resilient. The registry entries are designed to make this virus start automatically with the booting of the Windows operating system. Next, your files get encrypted, and then the ransom note is displayed on your desktop. The ransom note is in a file called IFN643_Malware_Readme.txt.
You can view the ransom note from the snippet below:
The ransom text reads the following:
Your most critical files have been encrypted :)
Send $1000 in Bitcoin to udKNOr3FVaibcNY9ygVhygNfdKIojmVA93A if you need them back.
The ransom note seems short – the price asked is 1000 US dollars. The address given for payment seems off. Do NOT even think of paying the demanded ransom. Nobody can guarantee that by paying you will recover your files. Besides, the criminals will use the money to fund a new ransomware project or other criminal activity.
Currently, a full list of file extensions which the ransomware seeks to lock is not available, but the few ones written below are certainly encrypted:
.doc, .docm, .docx, .ppt, .pps, .pptx, .xls, .xlsx, .jpg, .png, .txt, .rtf, .odt, .psd
Each of the encrypted files will have the .ifn643 extension appended to them, after their original names. The encryption process utilizes the well-known AES encryption algorithm. The ransomware has the same name as the extension it puts to locked files.
The IFN643 ransomware is highly likely to erase the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system with the following command:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
Keep on reading to see what kinds of methods you can try to possibly restore your files.
Remove IFN643 Virus and Restore .ifn643 Files
If your computer got infected with the IFN643 ransomware virus, you should have some experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as fast as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect more computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide given below. To see ways that you can try to recover your data, see the step titled 2. Restore files encrypted by IFN643 Virus.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for IFN643 Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall IFN643 Virus and related malware from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by IFN643 Virus on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by IFN643 Virus there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove IFN643 Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by IFN643 Virus.
Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.
Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.
Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:
1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.
Method 2: Use data recovery software
Ransomware infections and IFN643 Virus aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
IFN643 Virus-FAQ
What is IFN643 Virus Ransomware?
IFN643 Virus is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files.
Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.
What Does IFN643 Virus Ransomware Do?
Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.
How Does IFN643 Virus Infect?
Via several ways.IFN643 Virus Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.
Another way you may become a victim of IFN643 Virus is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.
How to Open .IFN643 Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .IFN643 Virus files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.
What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?
Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .IFN643 Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".IFN643 Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .IFN643 Virus files.
These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How To Get Rid of IFN643 Virus Virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.
It will scan for and locate IFN643 Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .IFN643 Virus files.
Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?
In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.
Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:
Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:
Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei
United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre
United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police
France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
Italy - Polizia Di Stato
Spain - Policía Nacional
Netherlands - Politie
Poland - Policja
Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell
Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center
Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.
Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?
Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.
Can IFN643 Virus Ransomware Steal Your Data?
Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.
In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.
Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?
Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.
Should I Pay Ransomware?
No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.
What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?
If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.
Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?
Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.
It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.
Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?
Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.
About the IFN643 Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this IFN643 Virus how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the IFN643 Virus ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.
How to recognize trustworthy sources:
- Always check "About Us" web page.
- Profile of the content creator.
- Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
- Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.